Castor oil has been used for centuries because of its many benefits. This versatile oil is rich in ricinoleic acid which is a fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis, it is an almost odorless, thick oil that has many medicinal and beauty purposes. This oil is one of the few oils that penetrates deep into the cells and provides deep hydration.

Although there are so many uses for castor oil, here are some of the top reasons this oil needs to be in your cabinet.

Skin Care

Castor oil is a powerful natural solution to skin care. Combined with other oils like rosehip or black seed oil it has the ability to take the benefits of those oils deeper than they would normally go.

It can help smooth out wrinkles, get rid of puffiness (like under the eyes) and makes your skin smooth while reducing irritation.

Since castor oil is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, it may also treat and prevent acne breakouts.

The best way to get the benefits of castor oil for your skin is to apply it at night before you go to bed. This is a gentle way to wake up with glowing skin and deep moisturization.

Hair Oiling

This oil is believed to not only have incredible benefits for the skin, but is highly beneficial for hair health. It promotes growth, strength, and shine transforming your hair from dull and lifeless to strong and shiny.

Massaging it into your scalp promotes blood circulation, stimulates the follicles and encourages thicker, longer hair. The oil’s properties help fight dandruff and dryness of the scalp.

Liver Support

A healthy liver is essential for maintaining overall health as the liver plays a vital role in detoxification. A castor oil pack over the liver helps with this process providing gentle yet effective detoxification.

Getting a good castor oil pack that is lined with organic (un-dyed) cotton flannel or wool is important as well as using organic, hexane-free, extra virgin castor oil that comes in a amber glass bottle.

To use a castor oil pack for liver support, simply pour the oil directly onto the skin over the liver area and onto the pack itself. Once the oil is applied, cover the area with the pack, ensuring it fully covers the skin where the oil is applied.

The pack should be secured in place for at least 1-2 hours or ideally overnight.

Constipation

Castor oil is a time-tested remedy for relieving constipation. It works as a powerful stimulant laxative, promoting bowel movements when ingested. Typically results are noticeable within a few hours making it an effective option for those seeking fast-acting relief.

It is important to take precautions when ingesting it though since not all castor oils are created equal. Ensure that the castor oil you use for this purpose is specifically labeled for internal use and is both organic and hexane-free.

Digestive system & Bloating

One of the biggest ways that castor oil is used for is as a laxative. So if you have digestive issues such as constipation, taking a little bit of castor oil will help push things through.

Be careful of the kind of castor oil you ingest because they are not all created equal. This one needs to be specifically for ingesting purposes.

The other way to use the oil for the digestive system is with the castor oil pack. Putting it on overnight will help with inflammation in the gut if you suffer from any gut related issues. You will find that in the morning you will wake up with a flatter stomach and less bloating.

women’s reproductive system

Are you struggling with reproductive issues like Endometriosis or PCOS? Having pains in your lower abdomen? Castor oil could help with these issues by applying a castor oil pack to the area. When applied to the lower abdomen, the pack promotes increased circulation helping reduce the inflammation and dissolve adhesions, ovarian cysts or fibroids.

Regular use can help promote hormonal balance, regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate menstrual cramps, and support fertility by enhancing the health or reproductive organs.

Parasites

In the past, it was common practice to use castor oil for parasite cleansing. Regular parasite cleanses, ideally once or twice a year, are recommended for optimal results—especially if your diet includes raw fish, such as sushi.

In addition to sushi, other sources like undercooked meats, unwashed produce, and contaminated water can expose you to parasites. Using castor oil not only helps eliminate these unwanted invaders but also supports gut health, improves digestion, and boosts overall immunity.

Tumors

Since castor oil has the powerful ability to get in deep into the body and dissolve abnormal tissue, it can be a tool used to help heal tumors. The properties in castor oil help breakdown and eliminate what isn’t supposed to be in the body.

Over time the oil can help reduce the tumors and while it’s not a substitute for other treatments, it is a powerful support for overall healing.

congestion

Castor oil can be a soothing remedy for relieving congestion thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically to the area it can help loosen mucus and ease the congestion.

To get a stronger effect, apply a heating pad on top of the castor oil pack for an hour or two. This way, if you have a cold, cough or bronchitis, it should help relieve the symptoms much faster.

bone spurs

Just like any other unwanted tissue in the body, the oil is a natural remedy for managing bone spurs which are tiny growths that can cause pain and inflammation. When applied topically, castor oil penetrates the skin and softens the tissue around the spur which may ease pain and improve mobility.

scars

An effective way to reduce the appearance of scars is to apply castor oil on the scar. You can mix in other oils to help the skin and improve the working power of the oil.

In general, make sure that the scar is completely healed before starting with a castor oil regimen. Placing some of the oil on the scar and slightly rubbing it in will help the oil loosen some of that scar tissue.

The oil might not completely dissolve the scar, but you should see improvements with regular use.

varicose veins

The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil can help reduce swelling and prevent from blood clotting in the veins. It also helps with improve blood circulation which in return could alleviate some symptoms of varicose veins like swelling and discomfort.

In addition, the oil can support the healing of damaged veins by boosting lymphatic drainage while improving the overall look of your skin.

Has castor oil helped you heal something? Share your experience below!